LTSBlog’s own A.L. Ramsey and Rod Scates recently got together to chat about Saturday’s big boxing match up between Miguel Cotto and Antonio Margarito, a rematch from their 2008 bout where Margarito stopped Cotto in the 11th round. Rod Scates and A.L.R. also touched on the state of boxing going into 2012, who’s hot right now, and more. Check it out below:
[ALR]: Rod, big fight this weekend with the rematch between Migue Cotto and Antonio Margarito. How doyou see it playing out?
[RodScates]: Simply put, I see Cotto avenging the loss this time around.
[ALR]: Same here. Are we calling a knockout or win by decision?
[RodScates]: Thats actually a tough call… we all know Marga-cheato, i mean Margarito, has that trademark Mexican warrior spirit. The only way i can see a stoppage is if Margarito’s face is a ridiculous mess.
[ALR]: I agree. Although he’s a bit of a shady character, Margarito is tough and doesn’t quit. Evidenced by him almost sacrificing an eye to finish the Pacquiao fight, even though everyone knew he had no chance to win that fight.
[RodScates]: Agreed… good transition because i think the eye is going to end up being a focal point. Cotto is a much better boxer and Margarito’s flaw is that he is a stay in front pressure fighter. Margarito’s face will be a bigger target and eventually the eye will too.
[ALR]: I think Cotto’s best shot at a knockout or stoppage would be to target Margarito’s right eye from theopening bell.
Do you think this fight has “Fight Of The Year” potential? Or will it be a dud like a few of the other big fights in recent months?
[RodScates]: Cliche time; ”styles make fights” so with the pressure Margarito brings it will force Cotto to fight while boxing, just like last time. Fight of the year, maybe not, but there will be good action. And i agree with early targeting of the eye.
[ALR]: True. If Cotto emerges victorious, who do you think he fights next? My guess would be the winner of Feb. 11 Andre Berto/Victor Ortiz rematch.
[RodScates]: I agree… I see shifting of the four fighters happening; winner vs winner , loser vs loser. Its good overall for the division though.
[ALR]: Definitely. Shifting gears, what do you think about the Super 6 final in on Dec 17th between Andre Ward and Carl Froch?
[RodScates]: I’m actually glad this is about to be over. It was one of those good idea/bad idea tournaments.
[ALR]: Same here. Good idea to pit top fighters against each other, but the length of the tournament tookmost of the excitement out of it. Good for basketball, not so much for boxing.
[RodScates]: Yes indeed.
[ALR]: Any other big boxing match ups that you are looking forward to? Maybe the Amir Khan/Lamont Peterson matchup?
[RodScates]: First… Ward will beat Froch, I think pretty easily too.
It’s been awhile since I’ve seen Peterson fight, I think since his loss to Ortiz, so I’m going to say Peterson’s chances of beating Khan aren’t too high. Maybe if he can put some power behind his punches and get Khan off his game. Other than that, Khan should out point Peterson.
[ALR]: Agreed. It seems as if Khan was matched with Peterson for that very reason. I don’t think Peterson has enough power to slow Khan down or present much of a threat.
[RodScates]: Good observation. I think Amir Khan is going to set himself up for a payday with Mayweather.
I don’t think Floyd and Manny [Pacquiao] will fight on May 5th, but I think Floyd takes Amir in a sort of tune up [for Pacquiao].
[ALR]: That would be unfortunate, but highly possible. What other fights do you see happening early 2012?
[RodScates]: I really want to see Nonito Donaire vs Yuriorkis Gamboa; that has fight of the year written all over it. I wouldn’t mind Saul Canelo Alvarez vs. Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.
I also think Paulie Malignaggi vs. Devon Alexander would be entertaining for the first 5 rounds.
[ALR]: Yeah, before one of them gives up, lol. Which one quits first?
[RodScates]: Exactly, haha. My vote goes Devon.
[ALR]: Who do you think is “next” to take the step from second tier star to the boxing game spot light?
[RodScates]: Nonito Donaire… Biggest problem with him is that there is not much competition in his weight class. Thats why Gamboa would be a good fight for him. So would a fight with Juan Manuel Lopez.
Oh, and watch out for Adrien Broner. He has skill, patience and swag. Tough combo to beat.
[RodScates]: Lastly… Floyd Mayweather will beat Manny Pacquaio decisively if they ever fight. If anyone wants to know why I can tell them via any outlet.
[ALR]: We’re in agreement there as well.
You can follow and contact both Rod Scates (@RodScates) and A.L. Ramsey (@A_RamseyLTSB) on twitter to discuss, debate or simply just chat further.
-ALR
